Shoulder dystocia is a childbirth emergency. A baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, shoulder dystocia is often difficult to predict. How the medical team responds is what matters most.
Understanding Shoulder Dystocia and Birth Injury Claims
Shoulder dystocia is a serious complication during childbirth. It typically occurs after the baby’s head is delivered. One of the baby’s shoulders becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. As a result, the baby cannot be delivered normally.
Unfortunately, doctors typically can’t predict shoulder dystocia. However, some factors increase the risk of it occurring, including:
- A large baby
- Gestational diabetes
- Maternal obesity
- A pregnancy that goes past the due date
- A prior shoulder dystocia
- Use of forceps or a vacuum during delivery
Typical Complications from Shoulder Dystocia for a Baby
When shoulder dystocia happens, quick and careful action usually leads to a healthy delivery. But if things go wrong, a baby can be hurt.
In the aftermath, a brachial plexus injury is the most common. These nerves run from the neck into the arm. If they stretch or tear, the baby may develop Erb’s palsy, which causes weakness or loss of movement in the arm. Many of these injuries heal with time, but some are permanent.
Shoulder dystocia may also cause:
- A broken collarbone or arm
- A lack of oxygen if delivery is delayed, which in serious cases can lead to brain injury
With a nerve injury, you may not know right away whether it will fully heal. Much like other injuries that reveal themselves over time, lasting effects may become clear only in the months that follow.
When Shoulder Dystocia May Become Medical Malpractice
This question matters most for a legal claim. Shoulder dystocia by itself is usually not malpractice. Instead, a case often depends on how the team responds.
Doctors are trained to use specific, gentle moves to free a stuck shoulder. Pulling too hard on the baby’s head could tear the nerves or cause a brachial plexus injury. Our medical malpractice attorneys work with medical experts to review exactly what happened.
Your Legal Options After a Birth Injury
A birth injury can change a family’s life and bring years of care. When it comes from negligence, you may have the right to seek compensation. A successful birth injury claim can help pay for:
- Current and future medical care
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Surgery, if needed
- Pain, suffering, and the child’s future needs
Medical malpractice deadlines are strict. For example, Alabama families usually have two years under Ala. Code § 6-5-482. However, because the injured patient is also a child, the deadline is often extended. As a parent, the best thing you can do is to meet with an attorney as soon as possible.
Common Questions About Shoulder Dystocia
What is shoulder dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is a childbirth emergency. After the head passes, one of the baby’s shoulders becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. At this point, the baby can’t be delivered normally. Medical assistance is critical.
What causes shoulder dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia often happens unexpectedly. However, some factors may put the baby at risk, including gestational diabetes, a past-due pregnancy, or maternal obesity. The use of forceps or a vacuum may also increase the risk.
Is shoulder dystocia the doctor’s fault?
No, shoulder dystocia is not always the doctor’s fault. Shoulder dystocia is difficult to prevent, because it often appears without warning. However, if a doctor’s careless response harms the baby, you may have a medical malpractice case.
How does shoulder dystocia cause Erb’s palsy?
Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulder gets stuck during delivery. A doctor’s careless actions may cause Erb’s palsy when they pull too hard on the baby’s head. This can cause weakness or loss of movement in the arm. Some cases heal over time, while others cause permanent damage.
Can you sue for a shoulder dystocia injury?
Yes, you may be able to sue if a shoulder dystocia injury came from negligent care. The key is whether the medical team met the standard of care, such as using proper techniques instead of excessive force. Damages can cover medical bills, therapy, and your child’s future needs. A birth injury attorney can review what happened.
Trust Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Today
When a birth injury could have been prevented, your family deserves answers and support. A child harmed by a careless delivery may need care for life. We work with medical experts to uncover what went wrong and fight for your child’s future. Schedule a free case review today.
Reviewed by Alexander Shunnarah, Attorney and Chief Executive Officer at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, on 2026-11-05.
